The Venture Taranaki Board of Trustees are pleased to announce the appointment of Kelvin Wright as the Economic Development Agency’s new Chief Executive. 

Kelvin currently holds the role of Deputy Chief Executive at New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) and will take the helm at Venture Taranaki/Te Puna Umanga on 2 May.

After great interest in the role from many high-calibre local, and national applicants, the board are confident in their new appointment and looking forward to seeing what Kelvin brings to the role in 2022 and beyond.

“Kelvin’s executive experience, strong local connections and networks with key stakeholders such as our business community, support partners and ngā Iwi o Taranaki, as well as his affinity with both Venture Taranaki’s strategic aspirations and the entire Taranaki region will be incredibly valuable,” said Venture Taranaki Trust Chair Joanna Breare.

“Having someone who is familiar with Taranaki, has extensive existing networks and relationships, and the ability to step in and take the reins while already understanding the landscape during this time is important, and we know Kelvin will do that, while bringing fresh thinking, passion, and vision,” said Joanna.

Kelvin is looking forward to joining Venture Taranaki, building on the solid foundation that has already been laid, and supporting a thriving and resilient Taranaki economy, whilst adding his own flavour and approach to the role.

“I’m keen to continue to support the development of a resilient and prosperous Taranaki economy as I work proactively with partners to determine where to next, and how best to leverage what has already been achieved,” said Kelvin.

Prior to his current role, he held the role of NPDC Chief Operating Officer, and a range of private sector executive and leadership roles across energy, engineering, and aviation.

Originally from Otago, Kelvin first came to Taranaki in 2012 with Mercer Stainless, before returning once again with his young family to advance his career as GM Operations Energyworks in 2016 and hasn’t looked back.

“My family and I are privileged to call Taranaki home, and I feel very fortunate to be taking up the role as VT Chief Executive to continue to support and accelerate the regions vision for the future,” said Kelvin.

“I would also like to acknowledge Kelvin’s predecessor Justine for the contribution she has made to Venture Taranaki and the region during her time in the role, and on behalf of the board wish her all the best as she focuses on her governance career,” said Joanna.

Kelvin Wright – Bio

Kelvin Wright is joining Venture Taranaki from his role as Deputy Chief Executive at New Plymouth District Council (NPDC), which he has held since 2020.

As Deputy Chief Executive at NPDC, Kelvin is responsible for leading the Community Partnerships, Iwi Liaison, and Economic Development functions of council, and the development, leadership, and implementation of the council’s philanthropic public/private partnership program – NP Partners.

In this position, Kelvin represented NPDC on various boards, including Venture Taranaki, the New Plymouth Airport, and was also as a trustee for WOMAD NZ Charitable Trust.  

Prior to his role as Deputy Chief Executive, Kelvin held the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) for NPDC from 2017 to 2020, where he led the delivery of Infrastructure, Customer and Regulatory, Recreation and Culture, regional and local Civil Defence and business continuity functions, which included responsibility for combined budgets of $230 million.

Prior to joining local government, Kelvin was the General Manager of Operations for Energyworks Ltd in New Plymouth, and before this he was the Chief Executive Officer for Allied Industrial Engineering; a large niche market engineering company in the Bay of Plenty Region. 

Kelvin grew up in Mosgiel, Dunedin, where his career started as a Mechanical Design Engineer. He then established his own mechanical design consultancy business for New Zealand-wide manufacturers and engineering providers, while gaining his Commercial Pilots License and flying part-time. Kelvin has largely lived in Taranaki since 2012 with his wife and two children.